Although South Africa’s land borders are closed until at least mid-February, Airlink, the independent airline, continues to serve southern Africa’s main commercial centres with its comprehensive flight schedule and air route network. South Africa’s decision to close its 20 land borders for all but emergency and exceptional travel, comes as countries across the region continue with efforts to curb Covid-19 infections and limit the pandemic’s harmful social and economic impact.  

“Health and safety are critical, as is economic continuity, for which regional air travel is the only viable alternative. Airlink will continue to provide travellers with safe, reliable and affordable connectivity between South Africa and destinations throughout southern Africa,” said Airlink Managing Director and CEO, Rodger Foster.    

Airlink serves Lubumbashi (DRC), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Maseru (Lesotho), Sikhuphe (Eswatini), Harare and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), Gaborone, Maun and Kasane (Botswana), Windhoek and Walvis Bay (Namibia), Lusaka and Ndola (Zambia), Maputo, Beira, Pemba and Vilanculos (Mozambique) as well as numerous South African destinations.

Airlink said its flights are scheduled to enable customers and personnel to comply with South Africa’s curfew and still commute to and from airports with sufficient time to complete the necessary health, security and immigration checks prior to departure. As a result, all Airlink flights depart after 08H00. Similarly, Airlink flights arrive at their final destinations for the day before 20H00, providing customers and personnel with sufficient time to reach their homes or places of accommodation before the 21H00 curfew. 

“The wellbeing of our customers, crew and staff is our priority. By diligently applying and adhering to stringent biosecurity protocols, we have demonstrated that flying is the safest way to travel and that we can continue to support and enable business, tourism and trade without spreading the Coronavirus,” explained Foster.